Neglected Soldier Beetle
Atalantycha neglecta
This record describes Atalantycha neglecta (species). Recorded family: Cantharidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Atalantycha neglecta is a species of soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. It is found in North America.
Wikipedia reference for Atalantycha neglecta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atalantycha neglecta.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Elateroidea
- Family
- Cantharidae (Soldier Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cantharinae
- Tribe
- Cantharini
- Genus
- Atalantycha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
hardwood forests, forest edges, pine forests, sandy open areas with shrubs
Geographic Range
e. NA (NS-ON-SD to GA-LA-OK) - Map , mostly abscent from Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains
Seasonal Activity
May-early Jul
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Atalantycha neglecta (Fall 1919)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Atalantycha neglecta. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Neglected Soldier Beetle (8)
Photo credits: (c) Jim Walker, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jim Walker | (c) Pierrick Bloin, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Pierrick Bloin | (c) Tom Murray, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Tom Murray | (c) Jeffrey G. Cramer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Jeffrey G. Cramer | (c) Ilona, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Ilona | (c) Rose A. Payne, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Rose A. Payne | (c) Andrew Mitchell, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Andrew Mitchell | Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Neglected Soldier Beetle
What is Neglected Soldier Beetle?
Neglected Soldier Beetle (Atalantycha neglecta) is a species in the family Cantharidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Neglected Soldier Beetle?
8.0-9.0 mm
Where is Neglected Soldier Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | hardwood forests, forest edges, pine forests, sandy open areas with shrubs |
| Range | e. NA (NS-ON-SD to GA-LA-OK) - Map , mostly abscent from Gulf and s. Atlantic coastal plains |
When is Neglected Soldier Beetle active?
Neglected Soldier Beetle: seasonal activity - May-early Jul.
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